Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 572: Chapter 297: The Emperor’s Suspicion

In a study room of the Imperial College, Mr. Meng was reviewing the essays and poems sent by the students. He read each one with great attention, even making edits or annotations on them.

After finishing his lectures, Mr. Meng did not rest at all, focusing entirely on reading the students’ essays or poems. Although many of them were quite poor, to the point of being unbearable to look at, he didn’t get angry; instead, he would earnestly write down his feedback.

Minister Li knew that Mr. Meng was busy reviewing essays or poems after his lectures, so he rarely came to disturb him. However, he had just received a visiting card from the eunuch by the Crown Prince’s side, and he couldn’t ignore it, thus he had to come and disturb Mr. Meng.

Mr. Meng’s Attendant Student was guarding the study room entrance. Seeing Minister Li approach, he hurriedly bowed to him and then mentioned that Mr. Meng was busy and did not wish to be disturbed by anyone.

Minister Li acknowledged this but stated that he must hand this visiting card to Mr. Meng personally, as it was a necessity.

Upon hearing Minister Li’s insistence, the Attendant Student opened the study room door and invited Minister Li inside.

Mr. Meng was so engrossed in his reading that he didn’t hear the door open until Minister Li greeted him, making him aware of his presence.

Minister Li hastily apologized to Mr. Meng, explaining that he did not intend to disturb him. However, since the Crown Prince had sent a visiting card, he had no choice but to deliver it.

Hearing these words, Mr. Meng furrowed his brows slightly, then reached out to take the visiting card before tossing it aside.

Seeing that Mr. Meng did not open it, Minister Li hesitated for a moment and then reminded him.

"Mr. Meng, the people sent by the Crown Prince have not left yet; they are waiting for your reply."

Upon hearing this, a hint of impatience flashed in Mr. Meng’s eyes, and then he politely told Minister Li, "Please inform the people sent by the Crown Prince that I am very busy."

Noticing Mr. Meng’s lack of courtesy towards the Crown Prince, Minister Li was somewhat shocked, sensing Mr. Meng’s displeasure. He hesitated again before speaking, "Mr. Meng, perhaps you should first take a look at the Crown Prince’s visiting card, then respond to him."

"There’s no need." Mr. Meng’s tone was somewhat cold, and then he picked up the visiting card he had just tossed aside and handed it back to Minister Li, "Please return this to the people sent by the Crown Prince."

Startled by Mr. Meng’s attitude, Minister Li’s expression changed drastically as he asked, "What are you doing?"

Mr. Meng candidly and unceremoniously replied, "I do not wish to see the Crown Prince, nor do I wish to see Prince Dai. Tell them not to write visiting cards to me; I will not go. Also, I hope they do not disturb me."

Since Mr. Meng had come to the capital, he had been hosted by Minister Li. Although their time together was not long, Mr. Meng had always seemed kind and amiable to Minister Li. It was the first time he had seen Mr. Meng so displeased and unceremonious.

"You..."

"Did not the Emperor say the Crown Prince and others should not disturb me lightly?" Mr. Meng said with a slightly somber face, "Did he not also say that without my consent, the Crown Prince and others cannot meet me?"

Minister Li replied, "Indeed, that is the decree of the Emperor."

"Then let the Crown Prince’s people return and tell them not to come again." Mr. Meng had just finished when he suddenly remembered the essays and poems previously sent by the Crown Prince. He hurriedly stood up to search for them.

"Mr. Meng, what are you looking for?" Seeing Mr. Meng searching through a pile of books and essays, Minister Li went over to help, "Let me assist you."

Mr. Meng found the essays and poems sent by the Crown Prince in a corner, then handed them to Minister Li.

"Please return these to the Crown Prince’s people and tell them I am too unlearned and unqualified to critique the Crown Prince’s writings."

Minister Li took the essays handed by Mr. Meng in a daze. He looked at Mr. Meng in disbelief, asking, "Are you not afraid of angering the Crown Prince?" Mr. Meng was being far too discourteous to the Crown Prince.

"I am not afraid," Mr. Meng said coldly, "I am just an old man. The Crown Prince can do as he pleases."

Minister Li: "..." He had not realized that Mr. Meng had such a fiery temper.

"I am nearing the end of my life; there is nothing to fear." Mr. Meng returned to his desk, raising his head to look at Minister Li, his tone becoming much gentler, "Please do me the favor of conveying my words."

"I will convey your words to the Crown Prince’s people exactly as you have stated."